Wired

JUST about every household's Wi-Fi connection comes into the home at a home office, which extends the coverage into a few surrounding rooms.

But with more and more iGadgets entering homes daily, the need to extend your existing Wi-Fi to dead zones on other floors or far across the house becomes greater.

One solution could be to relocate your router to a central point, but a much easier solution is Netgear's AC750 WiFi Range Extender (model EX6100).

For tech-heads who want specifics, the device supports dual band Wi-Fi up to 750 Mbps and supports Wi-Fi devices with 801.11ac, b/g/n.

It's simple to set up, with a pair of choices I made within a browser in just a few minutes. All you do is connect to your existing Wi-Fi (during the setup they have to be close to each other) wait for lights to blink, answer a few questions, click a few boxes and you're done.

Then unplug the extender and put it in your dead zones and give it a few minutes to warm up and make a connection. A pair of external antennas help direct the Wi-Fi.

After you're all set up, go to your network settings on the portable device you want to use in dead zones, choose the new network you set up and enter your password.

It's small enough to be plugged in almost anywhere, included behind furniture.

I have my Wi-Fi set up in my office, in the far corner of my house. After setting up the Range Extender, I went from having a single bar on my iPad's Wi-Fi meter to a four full bars.

Problem solved.

Details: $89.99, www.netgear.com

This strap's a cinch

JOBY, a maker of creative accessories for digital photographers, has released a few very well made straps of high-quality material and hardware for use with most any digital SLR or mirrorless camera, as well as binoculars

The Convertible Neck Strap ($21.66) has quick release built into both sides to instantly convert it from a neck strap to a smaller wrist strap.

New to the Pro Series is the Pro Sling Strap ($55.99), which is designed with a SpeedCinch pulley system for instant access to the camera.

This allows photographers to wear their camera over either shoulder or just around the neck at almost any level.

A fastening allows the camera to be instantly adjusted with a simple tug on the pulley system.

The strap attaches to the standard thread on the bottom of every camera and tightens with the help of a coin. This allows a secure and tight connection along with allowing the camera to rotate a full 360-degrees.

There's also a camera tether included with the Pro Sling for additional peace of mind.

Details: www.joby.com

Battery gives you edge

THE RAZORPLUS from myCharge is true to its name, since it's razor thin at less than a centimetre.

What's more important is it's a portable battery for charging almost any portable USB gadget needing an extra boost of power on the go.

It comes pre-charged with 3000mAh of battery power for more than 13 hours of talk time, with a single USB port in an attractive anodized aluminum case.

A four-light LED system is activated by shaking the battery to test the battery level.

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